Wireless Tissue Engineered Bioelectronics integrating a dual-mechano-electrical Therapy for Volumetric Muscle Loss

Descripción del proyecto

Nueva terapia regenerativa para la pérdida volumétrica de masa muscular

Ciertos tipos de lesiones o intervenciones quirúrgicas pueden provocar una pérdida volumétrica de masa muscular (VML, por sus siglas en inglés), que reduce la fuerza de una persona y causa discapacidad a largo plazo. La VML suele superar la capacidad de regeneración inherente del organismo. Las estrategias regenerativas basadas en el empleo de biomateriales artificiales como los hidrogeles son prometedoras. Sin embargo, una recuperación satisfactoria depende asimismo de señales mecánicas y bioquímicas que guían la regeneración muscular. En el proyecto WTEB-Therapy-VML, que cuenta con el apoyo de las acciones Marie Skłodowska-Curie, se pretende desarrollar una matriz innovadora que imite la estructura muscular y responda a estímulos mecánicos. Al integrar esta matriz con la bioelectrónica inalámbrica para la estimulación eléctrica, el proyecto ofrecerá una terapia mecánica-eléctrica dual adaptada al tratamiento de la VML.

Objetivo

Volumetric muscle loss (VML), or a frank loss of muscle tissue often results in a permanent loss of muscle tissue and chronic reduction in strength, which can lead to long-term disability. Tissue engineered biomaterial matrix (e.g. hydrogels) offers a promising strategy to restore and improve the function of VML injuries and regeneration. However, muscle regeneration cannot succeed in the absence of biophysical (e.g. mechanical force, topography, and electrical induction) and/or biochemical cues (e.g. integrins) from the extracellular matrix. The matrix design must take into account the functional characteristics of the target tissue. For example, the structural anisotropy in muscle is critical in guiding cell organization and generating powerful muscle contractions. Recently, mechanotherapy has drawn the attention of physical therapists, which is a strategy for tissue repair and remodelling through a conversional process from mechanical signals into biochemical response in cells. Moreover, muscle is responsive to electrical stimulation due to its physiological nature. Bioresorbable wireless bioelectronics as electrical stimulators have been developed for many applications, including neuromuscular regeneration, and cardiac pacemakers etc. Inspired by these, I aim to develop a novel anisotropic matrix with mechano-responsive properties, followed by integration with bioelectronics, which will provide a dual-mechano-electrical therapy for VML. To achieve this, I will carry out the project employing an interdisciplinary approach, including polymer chemistry, physics, electronic engineering, mechanobiology, and regenerative medicine. My experience in polymer chemistry, physics, and mechanobiology will be integrated with the outstanding expertise of the Northwestern University and University of Cambridge in bioelectronics and regenerative medicine. If successful, it will be a dramatic development for regenerative medicine and broaden the applications of bioelectronics.